So, in honor of finishing my Master's degree, I present to you The Panic Attack:

One night, after a particularly rough session working on my thesis, I decided to make myself a cocktail treat. Finding only rye and cider in my kitchen, a quick Google search led me to a recipe for a Sazerac and Cider.

I didn't have any absinthe for the Sazerac, but I had accidentally purchased anise-flavored sugar cubes, which worked in a pinch.

This cocktail is perfect for Autumn, whether you starting a new semester or just in the mood for a Back to School drink.

I am so excited to be find out what life is like without school for the first time since preschool! (I took a gap year between high school and university, which I spent taking college classes...) Here's to learning just for fun!

The Panic Attack (recipe modified from the Sazerac and Cider on Serious Eats):

3 oz. rye such as Rittenhouse 100 proof

4 oz. hard cider

2 anise-flavored sugar cubes (or 2 dashes absinthe and 2 sugar cubes)

6 dashes bitters

Lemon twist

In a mixing glass, saturate the sugar cubes with the bitters and muddle to break them down. Add ice and rye. Stir until well chilled and the sugar is almost completely dissolved. Strain the drink into two chilled glasses and garnish with the lemon twist.

NOTE: under no circumstances should this beverage be consumed during an actual panic attack...